Monster Card Monday: 1916 Ty Cobb

I noticed today that I only have one Ty Cobb Monster Monday column to date.  I do have a Terrible Tuesday one in his name (his rookie year) and I don’t like that ratio.  So thanks to Pastor Rich “Grandmasta Monster Card” Zawadzki, here is Cobb’s 1916 card.

In 1916, Cobb led the AL in runs scored (113) and stolen bases (68).  He also hit .370, second only to Tris Speaker’s .386.  He also collected 201 hits for the Tigers, one of nine times he would do so in his career.

Cobb’s 1916 card probably isn’t as overwhelming as his 1911 card that was featured before.  I certainly wouldn’t bench him either.  As I’ve said before, sometimes it’s the numbers that aren’t outs that impress me rather than the ones the ones that are hits.  In this case, Cobb has a 21-22, a 26-14 and a 46-40.

Experienced APBA fans can get a good read on most APBA cards.  However, if you’re new to the game, cards like Cobb’s might be tough because of the speed numbers like 11s and 10s.  1916 Cobb hit .370 but he has a 55-8.  What gives?

It’s not rocket science but here’s a simple trick I’ve used for cards like this since I was a teenager.  Since 11s are roughly equal in hit value to 7s, pretend for the moment that they ARE 7s.  Then move them to the appropriate spots.  In this case, Cobb’s three 11s would become 7s and would move to 55, 15 and 25.  This normalizes his card (for hit value only, not for steals obviously) compared to other hitters in the league.

So in other words, Cobb’s 1916 card is roughly worth a hitter’s card with a 25-7 (probably a little more since he also has an extra 10 as well).  I’m a little surprised the Georgia Peach doesn’t have at least three 31s.

Finally, is it me or there something goofy with the font formatting with the 52-27?  You be the judge.

Thanks, Rich!